The “motherhood penalty” is a term used to describe persistent gender disparities that working mothers can encounter. It has been documented by a surge in discrimination lawsuits related to caregiving in recent decades as more women enter the workforce. The "motherhood penalty" is believed by lawyers and professor to be exacerbated during the pandemic. This leads to an increase in claims of sex discrimination in hiring, firing, pay and promotions; pregnancy bias from mothers who must choose between their safety and getting paid; and family leave law violations.
See "‘Motherhood Penalty' May Fuel Workplace Lawsuits in Pandemic", Erin Mulvaney , Bloomberg Law, April 29, 2020